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Oprah Winfrey, Quvenzhane Wallis and Gabrielle Union were honored, on February 21st, at the Essence Black Woman in Hollywood Awards luncheon.

Oprah received the Power Award. Wallis received the Breakthrough Award, while Union received the Fierce and Fearless Award. As Oprah accepted her award, she recalled the first time she graced the cover of the magazine. “When it came out, it said I was a self-made millionaire and it said how much money I was going to make that year and I said, ‘Whoa’.” “There’s nothing better than being honored by your own.”

Grateful for the award she added, “At the end of every interview, the person always in some way said, ‘Was that OK? Was that all right?’ What I learned over the years is that really is what we’re all looking for — is to know that we are seen, we are heard, that what we say means something” and “everybody wants to know that they matter.”“I’m grateful that you have seen me and you have heard me and that what I have said has mattered.”

Oscar nominee, Quvenzhane Wallis thanked Bhen Zeitlin, director of Beast of The Southern Wild, G-d, and her babysitter who was on set during the filming. The 9 year old starlet is the youngest Oscar nominee in history. As Union accepted her reward, she reflected on the time when she thought she always had to fit in. Of that time, she said, “I have been pretending to be fierce and fearless for a very long time. I was a victim, masquerading as a survivor. I stayed when I should have run. I was quiet when I should have spoken up and I turned a blind eye to injustice instead of having the courage to stand up for what’s right.” She added, “I decided I wanted more and deserved more from the inside out,”

Others honored that night were Naomi Harris, who received the Shining Star Award and Alfre Woodard, who received the Vanguard Award. Those in attendance included, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland, Keke Palmer, Naomi Campbell and Common.

Asa Lovechild is an accomplished actress and singer out of New York City.